[Player Ratings] Arsenal 2-1 Leicester: Ozil Flops As Welbeck Steals The Show

Arsenal blew the title race wide open after Danny Welbeck came off the bench to secure a stunning 2-1 victory over leaders Leicester City at the Emirates on Sunday afternoon.

Jamie Vardy put Leicester ahead from the penalty spot just before half time before Theo Walcott equalised midway through the second half. Just as it looked as though the game was going to end 1-1, Welbeck popped up with a last gasp header to win it for the Gunners.

These are my ratings from the game:

Cech  7/10 | Made a superb stop to deny Vardy early on and commanded his area well.

Bellerin  6.5/10 | His pace was important up against Vardy and he helped Mertesacker out during the first half. Got forward more after the break when they went down to 10.

Mertesacker  7/10 | Many were concerned when they heard the Big German was starting but his experience shone through as he was given very little trouble all afternoon. Missed a great chance to get a goal late on though.

Koscielny  6/10 | Poor challenge on Konte in the build up to their goal and was replaced at the break with a dead leg.

Monreal  6/10 | Silly to give away a penalty, even if Vardy did make the most of it, and fortunate not to give another spot kick away when he clipped Mahrez in the second half.

Coquelin  7/10 | Great to have him back and he proved to be a big improvement on Flamini. Broke up play and kept the ball moving forwards.

Ramsey  6.5/10 | Plenty of willing and endevour from the Welshman but he was wasteful in front of goal once again.

Oxlade-Chamberlain   6/10 | Lively early on and was a real threat down the right but influence faded.

Sanchez  6/10 | Still looks rusty following his injury. Showed plenty of creativity but his finishing was way off. I’m sure he’ll be back soon though.

Ozil  5/10 | Very quiet. Wasn’t given any space by Konte and Drinkwater but he did pop up with the vital delivery to set up Welbeck’s winner. Even when he’s poor Ozil still finds a way to get an assist!

Giroud  6/10 | Enjoyed the physical battle with Morgan and Huth and set-up Walcott’s goal with a superb header. However, like many of his team mates, Giroud didn’t have his shooting boots on.

Subs:

Chambers 7/10 | Slotted in to the back four seamlessly after replacing Koscielny at half time.

Walcott 8/10 | Made a huge difference after coming on and grabbed the vital equaliser with a cool finish.

Welbeck 8.5 | Came off the bench to net an injury time winner on his return to the first team following a 10-month injury absence. What a story.

ARSENAL 2-1 LEICESTER: WATCH THE GOALS HERE

We were way below our best with several players wasting chances in front of goal but Welbeck’s late winner ensures we move to within two points of leaders Leicester with 12 games to go. This was a huge win and it’s important we now kick on during the coming weeks….